A Few Thoughts on the Diva Cup

This is a short review of my experience with the Diva Cup, a reusable menstrual product. These are my opinions and this post is not sponsored.

Reusable menstruation products stored in the little bags they come with

One less thing to buy is always a good thing in my book. So when I first learned about sustainable menstrual products, I was intrigued though also a bit perplexed. I liked buying a product only once but questioned the cleanliness of it. I liked that the cup has less safety risks but questioned the cleaning process. I worried I might lose it. I worried it would be too big. I worried it would be too small. It was such a different way of thinking to the disposables that I had always used.

However, disposable tampons and pads can be expensive and are certainly wasteful. Plus, they were never that practical for me. My periods have always been light. Tampons were usually too much. I didn’t like the feeling of pads or panty liners. I also was neurotic about only keeping a tampon in for the minimum time for fear of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome.

[In 10th grade I was in an all-girl rock band. We named ourselves TSS. We were a band for a week.]

Using The Diva Cup

The Diva Cup, a reusable menstruation cup
About a year ago, instead of running to the store to purchase another box of tampons, I decided to finally buy the Diva Cup. First, it was much larger than I expected. But don’t freak out. If you follow the directions and fold it up, it fits just fine.

After getting through the first few uses and figuring out what worked best for me, I couldn’t feel it at all. There are two sizes. Even though I am over 30-years old, I still bought the smaller one. My vagina didn’t instantly turn into a cavern when I turned 30.

Since the cup is made out of silicone, there is no TSS risk. You can begin using it before your period actually starts. This also makes it perfect for overnight, which I love. The brand suggests you change it at least once every 12 hours. Since I am light, this works well for me. If you are heavier, you may have to change it sooner. It will probably take you a few uses to determine how it best works for you.

Cleaning the Diva Cup

Unlike tampons and pads absorbing liquid, the reusable cups collect it. This means you have to empty and clean the cup yourself. With that said, cleaning the cup is much easier than I thought it would be. At home, you simply wash it with soap and warm water.

Public bathrooms are a little different but it’s definitely not a hassle. Just remember to wash your hands before you enter the stall, then wipe out the cup with some tissue. When you get home you can wash it properly.

You are given a little bag to store it in, so it is safe and clean when you’re not using it.

I’ve been using the Diva Cup for almost a year and haven’t once thought about going back to disposables. Most of the menstruation cups cost about $30. This will easily save you money in the long-run. It might also help you feel safer and a bit more eco-conscious.

I mainly love that it is perfect for a lighter period. I never have the discomfort of removing a dry tampon or the worry of a foreign object sitting inside my body too long. And I don’t have to feel like I’m wearing a diaper. I definitely recommend trying any of the menstruation cups.

10 Replies to “A Few Thoughts on the Diva Cup”

I’ve had one for a little less than 10 years. A few months ago, I replaced it with a new one. I agree that it’s great. My period isn’t particularly light (it’s not insanely heavy but definitely on the heavier side, especially off hormonal birth control) and I never had to empty the cup more than every 12 hours or so, either. A lot of times, it ends up being more than 12 hours with no issue (I usually do it during my morning shower and then in the evening, sometime before bed). I’ve seldom had to deal with it in a public restroom. It can be a little bit messy during the heaviest days if I’m not careful but for me, the convenience far outweighs the negatives.

Like anything new, it will take a few times to figure out how it works for you but it is definitely worth that little bit of hassle. My only mention of the public restroom is actually just for work. Sometimes I forget about it in the morning and deal with it later on at work. I love that I don’t have to worry if it’s in there a little bit longer. Glad to hear another positive experience from someone!

I have always had heinously heavy periods (as in, I’ve had many leaks while out and about, which is more than embarrassing). However the pill I’ve been on for the past couple of years has really lightened them up, to the point I might almost feel comfortable trialling one of these…

OMG! I never heard of this until today. What an interesting concept. I am a little skeptical about trying it simply because I don’t even like tampons, but for situations where pads are an issue, I would definitely use it.

Yay! I was apprehensive about writing the post so am very glad to hear it’s helpful! Honestly, the Diva Cup feels better to me than a tampon, especially when taking it out. It’s definitely more convenient. And consciously feels better using something sustainable that’s healthy for the environment and your body.

I tried one of these a while ago, and went with the larger size since I’m over 30 (though my vagina doesn’t feel cavernous either, I am obedient to a fault). I really like the idea, but on my first go-round with it, it suctioned itself to my cervix and I could not get it out! It seriously took like 30 minutes of panicking and wondering if I would have to go to the emergency room before I finally got the damn thing out again. After that I was too scared to use it again and threw it away.

Is that just newbie operator error? Has that happened to anyone else? I half want to try with the smaller model, because I hate changing tampons and the waste they create, but I’m also legit scared.

I have not had that happen to me! I am so sorry for your experience! I do wonder if it had to do with the size? There are some other cups by other brands (Moon Cup, for example) that you may have a better experience with. I’d recommend trying another one before giving up completely.